64 
HADDOCK. 
which have caused great destruction among the multitudes of 
these fish, so that large numbers have been found dead and 
floating on the surface of the water. An instance of this sort 
is recorded in the parliamentary inquiry into the state of the 
Salmon fisheries in the year 1825; from which it appears that 
about thirty years before that date so great was the havoc 
among these fishes, that ships had sailed through many leagues 
of the North Sea where the surface was covered with dead 
Haddocks, and after this for several years it was a rare fish in 
these districts. It was seen also that even when again they had 
become plentiful it was long before these fishes had reached to 
their former size. 
It is not often that the Haddock attains the length of two 
feet, or exceeds the weight of eight or ten pounds, but Mr. 
Thompson mentions instances of examples taken in Ireland 
which were of eighteen, twenty, and twenty-five pounds; and 
when this gentleman adds that these fishes in Ireland are 
often valued more highly than the Cod, and obtain a pi ice 
which we should deem enormous, we are driven to the con- 
clusion that these Irish Haddocks are more richly fed, and in 
finer condition than in most parts of England. The higher 
price cannot proceed from a scarcity of the fish, for it is said 
that in Dublin Bay and along the neighbouring coast they are 
in great plenty. 
The head is compressed, level on the top, with a ridge, 
which is directed backward. Snout projecting, nostrils half 
way to the eye, which is large, elevated, and behind the corner 
of the mouth; the jaws are nearly equal, but the upper jaw 
is within the projecting snout; teeth in both, and in the palate, 
a barb at the lower jaw. The body compressed, rising from 
the head to the first dorsal fin, more slender towards the tail. 
Vent about midway between the snout and root of the tail. 
Lateral line nearly straight, conspicuous from its dark colour: 
scales on the body slightly visible. Dorsal fins three, the first 
elevated, triangular, ending in a point; second and third less 
elevated, extending to near the tail. Anal fins two, the first 
forming’ the segment of a circle. Pectorals slightly pointed; 
ventralswith the first ray lengthened; tail more or less concave. 
The colour of the back and fins dusky purplish brown, paler on 
the sides, dull yellow or white below; a large dark spot on the 
